Macklin

This mixed media piece holds a deeply personal significance, honoring my great-grandmother, whose maiden name was Macklin—a cherished part of my family history. As my middle name, Macklin also reflects my connection to her and our heritage. My great-grandmother gathered information about our Scottish roots and compiled it into books that have been passed down through generations.

In tribute, I created my own "book" to add to this legacy. The oversized base is crafted from pine wood and birch veneer plywood, wrapped in faux leather to form the cover. To mimic the appearance of pages, I sewed strips of raw canvas together and attached them to the sides. The name "Macklin" is embroidered on the cover, serving as the title.

When opened, the book triggers a neon map outline of Scotland and Northern Ireland, symbolizing the origins of that part of my family. The colors in this piece are intentionally chosen to reflect our family tartan of red, blue, and green—red floss for the embroidery, blue neon for Scotland, and green for Northern Ireland—bringing the family history to life in a vibrant and meaningful way.